Dealing With a Sensitive Scalp (+Causes And Treatments)

Dealing with a sensitive scalp is frustrating, as it has many side effects, including tenderness, flaking, and burning. Furthermore, pinpointing the cause is cumbersome, and allergies and stress can be the culprits.

You can get scalp therapy for sensitive scalps to help address the problems. Here at Haste, we have dealt with many clients complaining about having sensitive scalps. We have provided many solutions to address these concerns.

But before addressing the problem, you need to know what is causing it to provide the proper treatment.

What Causes a Sensitive Scalp?

At our hair and scalp spa, we found that scalp sensitivity can result from various causes. Some are rare, such as disease, infection, or hormonal changes.

Your scalp has many blood vessels and nerve endings, and when the microbiome becomes imbalanced, you start having scalp problems. Still, different symptoms can show you have scalp sensitivity, and here are some that we have found:

Sunburn: Surprisingly, this is a typical sign, especially for our clients with thin hair or alopecia. If you have been in the sun a lot without protection, it can cause sensitivity and irritation.

Stress: Let’s face it: We all suffer from anxiety, and it creates havoc on our health and bodies. When you are under stress, your body releases histamine, which can cause your scalp and other skin parts to itch.

Scalp conditions: Many of our clients who come for scalp health treatment have pre-existing conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis, and they are already experiencing sensitivity and need special scalp care.

Hormonal changes: When you have hormonal changes, your scalp can become sensitive during your menstrual cycle as the hormones fluctuate. Even entering menopause, postpartum, or pregnancy can result in a sensitive scalp.

Allergic reactions: We have noticed that our clients who have had scalp therapy treatments have allergic reactions to specific products, such as hair dyes, styling products, and more. During the consultation, we often learn that these products cause these reactions.

Tight hairstyles: How you treat your hair daily can also affect your scalp health. For example, you may wear your hair back too tight or up for too long. The same applies to wearing hair extensions, and we recommend checking out the post-extension hair care here.

Sleeping position: Another cause of sensitive scalps is how you sleep with your head. If you sleep awkwardly, you may experience discomfort when you wake up.

Infections and infestations: Any type of infestation, including scabies or head lice, can cause your scalp to become sore; the same goes for fungal infections.

Furthermore, did you know that a sensitive scalp can start with a dry scalp? Learn more about how to treat a dry scalp here to prevent sensitivity.

Signs You Have a Sensitive Scalp

The signs vary and depend on the cause, but they can include burning, itching, tingling, tightness, redness, flaking, or soreness. When discussing a scalp therapy consultation, our customers describe their sensitive scalps differently.

Sometimes, we do not see visible signs, but they only have a sensation or feeling of discomfort. The general term for this is trichodynia or scalp dysesthesia, and it depends on the sensation felt or the cause, as there are no visible signs.

In this case, we recommend you visit a dermatologist before starting any scalp treatment.

How to Treat Your Sensitive Scalp

When you come to our hair wellness spa for a luxury scalp treatment, we use haircare products for sensitive skin. These products contain minimal preservatives, sulfates, and fragrances.

Using these products, even at home, is the best self-care hair treatment to prevent scalp irritation. If you have noticed excess sebum or flaking, you can invest in a shampoo with zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole.

Other options include antimicrobial products that help with mild to moderate dandruff. A prescription product is required for more severe scalp conditions.

Here, you can learn how often you should have a scalp treatment to avoid overdoing it.

When to Visit Your Doctor

While we are the best salon for scalp therapy, we are not doctors, and we recommend that clients with persistent and bothersome symptoms visit a doctor.

We can offer a scalp treatment for hair loss. Still, during your consultation, if you have hair loss with redness, irritation, or inflammation, we will refer you to the experts for an evaluation by a dermatologist or trichologist.

Wrap-Up: Dealing With Scalp Sensitivity

Scalp sensitivity can result from different things, from auto-immune disease products to stress. Once you know the cause of the issue, you can seek other treatments. Here at Haste, we provide soothing scalp treatments for various conditions.

But if your scalp sensitivity is persistent, we recommend that you seek medical assistance. The critical thing to remember is that your scalp needs a lot of TLC, as your body and your skincare should not stop at your hairline.

Your scalp is the support system for your hair, and even if you do not have a sensitive scalp, you should still pay attention to it to prevent issues. Book your best scalp treatment in Boston with us today and start your hair care routine for a healthy scalp here.

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